Matthew T. Rudden

Father Matthew T. Rudden, 83 of Rockford died Friday, July 7, 2013 at Presence St. Anne Center.Born August 9, 1929 in Oak Park, IL the son of Matthew and Ann (McNicholas) Rudden.

Father attended St. Bernard Seminary, St. Bernard, Alabama, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1959, by Most Reverend Loras Lane at St. Mary Church, Aurora, Illinois. His first assignment was as Parochial Vicar for St. Margaret Mary Church, Algonquin, Illinois (6/1959-8/1959). He was then assigned as Parochial Vicar for St. Mary Church, Aurora (8/1959-8/1964); Parochial Vicar for St. Mary Church, McHenry (8/1964-6/1969); Chaplain, Dixon State School (6/1969-7/1972); Parochial Administrator for St. WendelinChurch, Shannon and SS John & Catherine, Mt. Carroll (7/1972-8/1972); Pastor for St. Mary Church, Polo (8/1972-7/1986); Pastor for Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sublette and St. Mary Church, West Brooklyn (7/1986-6/1987). Father's last assignment before retiring was as Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish, Rockford, where he served for 10 years. Father was also a volunteer Chaplain for the Rockford Police Department and Chaplain for OSF St. Anthony Medical Center,Rockford.

Survivors include his sisters, Ann (Richard) O'Malley and Patricia Ptaszynski both of Chicago ; brother, JohnRudden of Rockford; nieces and nephews and special friend, Mary Ann Dinges his loving caregiver and Sister in Christ and his cats Molley, Sox and Princess of Rockford. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Ken Ptaszynski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at 11AM at St. Bernadette Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will be Monday, July 8, 2013 from 5-7PM at St. Bernadette Church and 1 hour before Mass on Tuesday. Most Reverend David J. Malloy will be the celebrant and Father William Wentink will be the homilist. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago, Illinois. Arrangements are being made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside chapel. Memorials to the Pastoral Care Department at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.